Big Y Foods Takes First Step in Multi-Project Solar Initiative

Louisville, CO, September 19, 2012 -
Real Goods Solar, Smart Energy Capital and Hudson Energy Solar
recently completed the installation of a solar array at the new Big
Y supermarket in Lee, Massachusetts. Commissioned in August 2012,
the array offsets approximately 15% of the building's annual
electricity needs.

Visible from the Massachusetts Turnpike, the 343kW system is
installed on the roof of the building and on a solar awning above
the store's entrance. The in-store café features a flat panel
screen to enable customers to view the real-time system operation
as well as view educational information regarding solar energy.

The project was funded by a power purchase agreement through
Smart Energy Capital, a leading solar developer and financier.
Hudson Energy Solar, a specialist in providing municipal,
commercial and residential customers with renewable energy
solutions, will own and operate the system. Design and installation
was led by RGS Energy, the commercial and utility division of Real
Goods Solar.

According to Gary Kuchyt, manager of Big Y Foods' energy and
sustainability programs, this installation is the company's first
solar project in Massachusetts. Big Y is under contract with Hudson
Energy Solar through a power purchase agreement signed with Smart
Energy Capital to install projects at three more of Big Y's
Massachusetts facilities totaling over 2.7 megawatts. "For
nearly four decades, Big Y has been committed to conserving energy
and reducing waste," noted Kuchyt. "Preserving resources is
important to us as a company ― not only is it good business, it's
simply the right thing to do."

Jeffrey Schmidt, president of RGS Energy, commented: "This
system will give the public a great opportunity to see solar energy
production and understand the impact it can have on our daily
lives. Big Y is not only taking control of their store's
electricity costs, it is demonstrating its commitment to
sustainability in a very visible way."

Abe Grohman, chief executive officer of Hudson Energy Solar,
said: "We applaud Big Y for their actions to pursue renewable
energy alternatives via solar energy, which is sure to present
sustained benefits both in terms of environmental and financial
savings. We are excited to be a part of this significant
environmental initiative for Big Y and look forward to future
installations planned for their three additional facilities."

According to Rob Krugel, a managing partner of Smart Energy
Capital, this installation is the first that showcases the
successful collaboration between RGS Energy, Smart Energy Capital,
and Hudson Solar Energy to deliver green energy to the Big Y stores
in Massachusetts. "Smart Energy's mission is to rapidly expand the
market for solar by creating and delivering the most efficient
capital solutions possible," said Krugel. "By combining our
financing and development expertise with RGS Energy's engineering,
design and construction expertise under a single umbrella, we were
able to deliver a complete solution to Big Y stores for this
project. We're looking forward to the completion of the rest of the
Big Y installations."

About Big Y Foods

Big Y Foods, headquartered in Springfield, MA, Big Y is one of
the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New
England. Proud to be family owned and operated, they
currently operate 66 locations throughout Connecticut and
Massachusetts with over 10,000 employees. Founded in 1936 by
brothers Paul and Gerald D'Amour, the store was named after an
intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts where two roads converge to
form a "Y".

About Real Goods Solar and RGS Energy

Real Goods Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSOL), and its commercial and
utility division RGS Energy, is a leading residential, commercial
and utility solar energy EPC provider, having installed over 13,000
solar systems. From the first public sale of solar panels in 1978
to multi-megawatt installations, the clean energy aspirations of
our clients have been the driving force behind our business. With
over three decades of experience, we integrate unmatched industry
expertise and engineering skill with innovative financing
strategies to guide organizations to profitable energy solutions.
For more information about RGS Energy, please visit
www.rgsenergy.com, or call (888) 507-2561.

About Smart Energy Capital

Smart Energy Capital, LLC is a leading solar development and
finance company headquartered in White Plains, New York.
Smart Energy Capital maintains access to multiple investor funds
and has successfully developed and financed more than 65 MWs of
solar PV projects over the past 18 months for municipalities,
schools, commercial entities, and utilities across the country. For
more information about Smart Energy Capital, please visit
www.smartenergycapital.com, or call (914) 618-4788.

About Hudson Energy Solar

Hudson Energy Solar harnesses the power of the sun to provide
innovative, sustainable energy products to municipal, commercial
and residential customers. With the installation and maintenance of
solar photovoltaic systems on home and building rooftops, Hudson
Energy Solar brings more affordable, renewable energy directly to
the consumer enabling them to reduce their environmental impact as
well as their energy costs. With no upfront fees, customers pay
only for the power generated by the system, providing significant
savings on their electric rates. Hudson Energy Solar Corp. is a
subsidiary of Just Energy Group Inc., a publicly traded company
serving close to 2 million customers across North America. Visit
hudsonenergysolar.com to learn more.